The Sharing Tree: A Share and Exchange Marketplace for Community

Council undertook a review of the needs of older people in 2017. Findings revealed older residents want to stay connected, have a sense of purpose and need help to remain independent within their communities.

This project rewards members for offering their time to help an older person by, for example, changing a lightbulb or assisting with digital connection. Points are earned for helping, and can be used to access the knowledge/resources of other members (young and old); maybe to repair something, borrow food preserving equipment or to learn a language. Vote for us to develop the model with Darebin Council.

- Social/community benefits: include making friends, reducing isolation, creating a stronger sense of community belonging and purpose, improving health and wellbeing and forging a stronger services and resources awareness.
- Economic benefits: include practical help for individuals, significantly reduced visits to health care providers for older participants and broader value created by the development of sharing economies that ignite new projects, jobs and community value.
- Environmental benefits: include increased efficient usage of resources, contributing to a mentality that values meaningful relationships and the security of local interdependence over possessions (reducing overall need for consumption).

See active overseas example: https://community.linkages.org/